Specimen Pre-processing Connection Unit with Bypasses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen transport systems lack standardization and flexibility, as they require closed loop structures for both pre-processing and analysis systems, which complicates maintenance and operation, especially when systems are used interchangeably or when consumables need to be added or reagents are low.
Innovation Solution
A connection unit with multiple transport lines and bypasses forming loop structures allows for flexible operation, enabling separate control of pre-processing and analysis systems, facilitating maintenance and operation without requiring all systems to be online simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed loop structure is designed for each system layout to enable independent operation, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and standardization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is designed with multiple transport lines (first and second transport lines) and bypasses that can form different closed loop structures depending on system configuration. This universal design allows the same connection unit to support various system layouts and operation modes without requiring separate dedicated structures for each scenario, thereby maintaining standardization while enabling reliable independent operation of pre-processing and analysis systems
Solution Approach 2:
The transport path is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable through the use of bypasses that can be selectively activated. The connection unit can switch between different transport routes (e.g., using first bypass or second bypass) to form appropriate closed loop structures based on real-time system needs, such as when systems need to operate independently or when maintenance is required, thus adapting the structure without changing the fundamental standardized design
2Productivity
If all systems must be online simultaneously to complete specimen transport, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases during maintenance or system unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into independent controllable sections through the connection unit with multiple transport lines and bypasses. This segmentation allows the pre-processing system and analysis system to operate independently when needed, as each can form its own closed loop through different combinations of transport lines and bypasses. Consequently, maintenance or unavailability in one system does not necessarily halt operations in the other system, maintaining productivity while managing system interdependence through structured separation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit acts as an intermediary between the pre-processing system and analysis system, providing flexible transport routing options. Through the bypasses and multiple transport lines, it can mediate specimen transport in various configurations, allowing specimens to be routed through different paths depending on system availability. This intermediary structure enables the system to maintain high productivity by routing specimens through available systems while managing the complexity of inter-system dependencies through standardized connection protocols
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses the problem of inefficient utilization in a specimen pre-processing connection system due to integrated operation of a portion for connecting with pre-processing and a portion for connecting with an automated analysis system. The specific structure of the present invention contributes to providing a highly efficient system by causing a function for connecting to pre-processing and receiving a specimen from a pre-processing system and a function for connecting to an automated analysis system and transferring a specimen to the automated analysis system to each operate independently in a single unit, so that the functions do not affect each other during reset processing, and making it possible for either function to operate alone.